(AUDACY) Almost everyone saw this one coming.
A day after White Sox rookie designated Yermìn Mercedes hit a home run on a 3-0 pitch off Twins position player Willians Astudillo in the ninth inning of a blowout win Monday night, Chicago manager Tony La Russa was critical of his own player.
La Russa explained Tuesday that Mercedes was given the take sign and that by swinging and hitting a home run — which extended the White Sox’s lead to 16-4 — Mercedes would have “consequences” to endure within the clubhouse.
Related
The 76-year-old La Russa's comments were hardly a surprise considering his old-school mentality, but the rest of the baseball world found it to be exhausting.
Fans defended Mercedes, who has been one of the joys early on in the 2021 season, pointing out he has every right to continue to play at a competitive level for nine full innings, especially if the opposing player on the mound is throwing 47 mph.
Once La Russa’s comments began circulating on social media, the baseball Twittersphere relentlessly roasted him.
LISTEN on the Audacy app
Sign up and follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram